Healing Through Adversity: How Angelina Rosado Is Returning Hope to Domestic Violence Survivors

Angelina Rosado, born and raised in New York City's Lower East Side, has transformed her painful experiences into a mission of empowerment and change. Having witnessed domestic violence and unhealthy relationships from a young age, Angelina later became a survivor herself. When she sought help during her journey to escape an abusive relationship, she encountered countless barriers. Instead of giving up, she channeled her resilience into founding Returning Hope, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization committed to empowering survivors of domestic violence and educating future generations.

Through Returning Hope, Angelina has introduced a groundbreaking series of teen dating violence prevention workshops aimed at middle and high school students. Her organization also connects victims around the world with vital resources, including safety planning and access to support services. Her tireless advocacy extends beyond her nonprofit work, as she regularly collaborates with local politicians to shape laws that better protect victims of domestic violence.

Let’s start with an introduction - tell us about yourself!

My name is Angelina Rosado, and I was born and raised in the Lower East Side. At an early age, I witnessed domestic violence and unhealthy relationships at home and in my community. Later, i become a survivor. On my journey to surviving and escaping a toxic and abusive relationship, I sought help from countless organizations to no avail. But, instead of giving up, I decided to return hope and founded Returning Hope, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering domestic violence survivors and educating the next generation. My organization offered a prevention workshop series on teen dating domestic violence prevention for middle and high school students. They also provide resources for victims across the globe, helping them create safety plans and finding support services in their respective areas. I worked closely with local politicians to create and help shape new laws to provide protection for victims of domestic violence. In 2021, I was awarded Advocate of the Year by the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence. I continue to be a voice for victims and survivors of domestic violence. In New York City, in 2021, I co-founded and am the CEO of a new organization called Sisters In Purple. Sisters In Purple is an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting women, men, and the youth. Bringing awareness to the various types of traumas that our communities are facing today like Domestic Violence, Gun Violence, Community Violence. 2023 I was appointed by Mayor Eric Adams to the NYPD Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Training Committee where I serve as a bridge to better the experience that survivors of domestic violence have with NYPD.

Here at BBN, we’re all about sharing women’s stories. Tell us about a time you overcame an obstacle, and how that experience shaped you.

On September 1st, 2015 I left an 8 year relationship with my 3 year old daughter. I left my home, my job, and everything I built and moved back to NYC. In November 2015 I entered the shelter system thinking I would get help and support but I was met with a system that I quickly learned didn’t care about survivors of domestic violence. My DV shelter had employed workers that didn’t care about the women that were living in the shelter or their mental health. Without proper education, I started advocating for the survivors and making sure our voices were heard and not overlooked. I like to say that’s where the advocate in me was born but, when I think about it, I always stood up for what I believed was right, even if I’m the only person standing. After leaving the shelter, I knew change needed to happen, and that’s how I started my organization Returning Hope inc.

What is the biggest challenge women in the world of business face today, based off of your experiences?

There are a lot of challenges women are facing right now, but for me I feel like our biggest challenge would be our government. We are living in a country that our national anthem quotes, “Land of the Free”, yet when it comes to women’s freedom and rights our country seems to believe we shouldn’t have any. We are time and time again faced with challenges like gender- based violence, economic injustice, racial injustice, LGBTQ+ rights, maternal mortality, reproductive rights and justice, online harassment. I can go on and on, but these are, to me, our biggest challenges to date.

Think back to the younger you. What did she want to be when she grew up? What did she want her career to revolve around?

Not many people know growing up I wanted to be a veterinarian. I would watch animal planet all day studying animals, but then one day I took a trip to a veterinarian office, and they walked up into the ICU room and I started crying and had to step out of the room. That’s when I knew I couldn’t be a vet.

This is one of our most important questions: What advice would you give to women who are currently in an abusive relationship?

I don’t believe I have advice to give because domestic violence is so complicated. Every relationship is different and can’t be approached the same. However, I will tell a person that is currently experiencing harm, “It doesn’t get better, I know being on your own may seem scary and starting over doesn’t feel fair but neither does death. It’s not going to be easy, but it will be worth it.”

Lastly, where can our readers find you?

You all can find me on Instagram @IAMANGELINAROSADO & @SISTERSINPURPLE.